PORTSMOUTH — If you think your kids rule your household, life, and schedule every day — you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! The ultimate kids’ takeover is coming your way.

On Sunday, May 5, over 10,000 children traveling miles and miles will be drawn to the Port City for Children’s Day 2013. As the host organization, Pro Portsmouth states, “Who says kids aren’t in charge?”

The annual festival is held on the first Sunday in May from noon to 4 p.m. and offers a wide variety of attractions for children of all ages, complete with a local child’s event-logo design. A tradition for the Seacoast, the event pleases parents and children of all ages and likes.

The festival combines family-friendly activities, entertainment ... and who can resist an ice cream sundae. From a cruise aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton, to a photo opportunity with a favorite friend from Character Island, the day is sure to kick off the summer season with a smile.

A to Z

To navigate the day, Pro Portsmouth provides a map to follow the alphabet around town. From A to Z, attendees visit shops and restaurants, head to the Block Party on Pleasant Street, do arts and crafts, get their faces painted and a play a game of Plinko.

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Need a rest from activities or a place to sit and grab a bite to eat? Entertainment is scheduled at the Dock on Market and the Block Party on Pleasant. Performers prepared to “wow” the crowd include the Seacoast Civic Dance Company and The Rep’s Teen Ensemble.

A logo designed by a local artist, 8-year-old Bridget Rooney, is representing the 2013 event. Her artwork was chosen from nearly 40 entries and will be featured on the volunteer T-shirts, the Children’s Day Map and Poster and the Pro Portsmouth website.

At the logo-reveal news conference Thursday, Bridget said, “It was really fun,” about designing her masterpiece. When sharing the exclusive ideas behind her design the young artist said she wanted to include the colors blue and green with two people and butterflies to represent a “spring theme.”

Her mother, Dani Rooney, said Bridget took the call from Pro Portsmouth Director Barbara Massar herself on the day she learned she won the logo design contest.

“We’re proud of her. She worked so hard,” said Dani.

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Baris Fortier gets a hug from a giant, friendly mouse during last year’s Children’s Day. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 5.

The win gives Bridget a celebrity-like status at Children’s Day. She and Massar will welcome the M/V Thomas Laighton at The Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. dock where friends from Character Island will begin the day’s fun that runs until 4 p.m.

In addition to notable attendees and activities, the festival couldn’t function without active volunteers. To donate your time or talents email volunteer@proportsmouth.org. Groups of volunteers are encouraged to contact Massar directly so they can be schedule to work together. Volunteers will be need anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

According to the Pro Portsmouth website, large-scale events like this one would not be possible without the sponsorship and support of downtown merchants, area companies, civic organizations and volunteers of the Seacoast.

About

Pro Portsmouth

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. is a 501c (3) organization serving the Seacoast area. Its mission is to promote the arts, culture, history and community of the area through such events as Children’s Day, Market Square Day, Summer in the Street and First Night Portsmouth.

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Bridget Rooney, 8 years old, stands with Lisa Gainty of Citizens Bank, Branch Manager of Portsmouth, Thursday afternoon after Bridget’s winning drawing was announced as the Children’s Day logo at Pro Portsmouth. (Ryan McBride/Staff Photographer)

For more information on the group, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.proportsmouth.org or call 603-433-4398.

The Children’s Day map will be available at the event and on the Pro Portsmouth website www.proportsmouth.org.